Sometimes you have this feeling and you are overwhelmed with emotions. One minute you’re happy and the very next you could punch a hole in the wall. How did this happen? How can you go from one emotional extreme to another? You think you are in control, but from the highs and lows you continue to experience, it is clear your emotions have a mind of their own.

At the age of 15 I was a hormonal nightmare. If being rude and crude were on the agenda, I had them both mastered. Everyone kept talking about this “hormonal change” teenagers experienced and looking back, I heard them but I had no idea what they were talking about.  I associated hormonal changes with three (3) things: sex, menstruation, and bigger boobs. My culture didn’t advocate psychological counseling to growing teens; it advocated condoms and birth control. The message I received was, “You are going through puberty and your sex drive has increased. Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms. Oh and because you’ve started you’re cycle, you’ll need to get on some sort of birth control- it’s free at the health department.” While all of this is very true, trust me when I say, the puberty roller coaster does not stop there. The surcharge in hormones generates a lot of different and heightened emotions.

Most teenagers experience brief bouts of chemical imbalances.  A lot of teens are able to deal with the influx of hormones, but some have a very hard time adjusting and slip into a deep depression. As someone who has been diagnosed with depression and treated, it is sometimes hard to know when you need to seek medical attention.  Studies suggest that if it is hard for you to get along with others or if you are experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol, you could be experiencing depression. It is also suggested that if you have difficulty getting motivated for school or classroom assignments you might be in a state of depression. Unfortunately, this information isn’t entirely helpful to a teenager. Hello studies?? What teenager doesn’t find it hard to get along with at least one person? What teenager doesn’t experiment with drugs or alcohol? And who in the hell wants to go to school?? In my opinion, this is what makes it hard for a teenager to know what depression looks or feels like. Are you just being a “teenager” or are you on the verge of a mental breakdown? The reality is: the things that categorize depression (the warning signs) are symptoms every teenager experiences. But as common as the symptoms might be, they are not to be ignored.

I experienced depression when I was 19 years old. Because the disease runs in my family, I was very familiar with the symptoms and able to know when I needed to seek help. For me, I knew something was different when I no longer wanted to be around my friends and family. I am a very socially involved person and when my bed sounded better than a Friday night bonfire, I knew something was wrong. If you do not feel like yourself, do not simply account it puberty. Seek professional help and get treatment. When I say treatment your initial thought is probably something like Cymbalta or Abilify. While some forms of depression do require medications, not all treatments end with prescription drugs. I treated my depression with counseling and by journalism about my feelings. I did spend a few months on an anti-depressant, but as I quickly regained control of my emotions the anti-depressant became unnecessary. Even though I knew the symptoms associated with depression, I would have never known how to treat my depression. This condition is an illness, and as with any illness, it is best to have the disease treated by a licensed medical professional.  According to online reporting site Health line, women are twice as likely as men to experience depression and approximately 80% of people who have symptoms [of depression] do not receive any sort of medical attention. The statistics for mental health are alarming. Hundreds of people experience mental instability and go untreated every day.

You cannot see your brain or your feelings, but you know they are there. They are intricate parts of who you are that can’t be ignored. As a teen you aren’t really sure what is going on with your mind, your emotions, or your body- and that is okay. But when you are in serious doubt, seek help! Talk to a mentor who has been where you are; ask her what puberty was like for her. It is normal to be uncomfortable talking about your feelings, but that does not mean they are to be ignored. As important as it is to maintain a healthy body, it is just as important to maintain a healthy mind.

Remember it all comes back to being in touch with yourself and knowing who you are. You have a long road of emotional changes ahead ladies, welcome it with grace.

Until next time peace, love, mental health and beauty.

-Heidi Thomas

It is 2013 and everything, everywhere is sexually charged. ABC, CBS, NBC, major networks which you think would have some censorship, seem to have no holds barred. Society has evolved to encourage sexual activity. As such, we unknowingly associate sex with a lot different objects and emotions. We think sex will generate money, fame, happiness, and success.  And to add insult to injury, we’re constantly exposed to sexual innuendos- Miley Cyrus poses naked on a wrecking ball, Lil Wayne has children by four (4) different women, and Kim Kardashian achieved her fame when a sex video went viral. Sex generates a lot of things but it is highly unlikely sex will bring you long lasting money, fame, happiness or success. We’re exposed to sexual behavior under the impression it is a topic of light discussion, however, it is quite the opposite. Sex is complicated and can lead to a whirlwind. So, it is important you protect yourself from the sexual complications society has imposed.  The best and most ideal way to do so is to practice abstinence. Abstain from premarital sex and guard yourself from sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy, and quite frankly, unnecessary heart ache. Understand, being a virgin and saving yourself until marriage is not a trendy topic, but it is highly important we recognize the value in practicing abstinence.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20 million people contract a sexually transmitted disease or infection each year. While STDs and STIs affect men and women of all backgrounds and economic levels, it is estimated that over half of those infected are between the ages of 15 and 24.

Sexually transmitted diseases often times go unnoticed as many come without warning or symptoms. The most common STDs are HIV/AIDS, Bacterial Vaginosis, Chancroid, Chlamydia, and Genital Herpes/HSV. While a majority of STDs can be cured with antibiotics and intense treatments, there are STDs that are incurable. Out of the top five (5) most common STDs two (2) are permanent- HIV/AIDS and Genital Herpes/HSV. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was first reported in the United States during the summer of 1981 and is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Since the first report, AIDS has infected approximately 1.7 million people and HIV places its heaviest burden on the African American community. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the African American community contributed to 46% of the AIDS population in 2008.  While this should raise concern, it’s even more alarming to know that 20% of Americans unknowingly live with HIV/AIDS. The same goes for the most common sexually transmitted disease, Genital Herpes. When it comes to Genital Herpes, many people have no idea they are infected. A sexual partner can transmit the Herpes disease without any symptom, especially men.  Therefore, it is easier for women to contract Herpes. Studies released by the CDC state that 1 out of every 5 women, ages 14-49, live with Herpes. The disease is extremely painful and uncomfortable as it can produce blister sores around the genitalia, mouth, and/or even parts of your body like your arms or hands. When a non infected person comes in contact with a Herpes blister or sore, all it takes is for the fluid of that sore to touch the non infected person’s body and the disease is theirs for a lifetime.  An irreversible disease will forever have an effect on your overall health, sex life, and relationships. Care enough about your life and your body to protect yourself from these harmful diseases. Always, always, always know your status and get tested frequently. If you get tested and find out you are a carrier of any STD/STI be aware and make others aware. You might be ashamed and embarrassed to embrace your diagnosis, but in reality, the rest of America relies on you to keep the masses healthy and informed.

Another issue we face when having sex is getting pregnant. Teen pregnancy statistics show that approximately 820,000 teenage girls conceive a year. Over half of the teenage girls who conceive will get an abortion. Life can throw curve balls and sometimes abortions are warranted. However, abortions are not contraceptives and should not be used as such. There are precautionary measures we as women have to take in order to, again, do what is best for our overall health, sex life, and relationships. Be responsible for your life by protecting yourself with condoms and birth control. If you are sexually active, visit your local Health Department or Planned Parenthood facility for free or low cost examinations and contraceptives. The average cost to raise a child (through the age of 18) is $250,000.00. If you currently work at Sonic and don’t pay a single bill, I highly doubt you can afford to adequately provide for a child. There are ample resources to prevent you from exposing yourself to unwanted pregnancies. Know your options and make the best decision for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boUqU4YZjl0

The fact of the matter is: there are people in this world who have contracted sexually transmitted diseases, and there are women in this world who have gotten pregnant and opted for an abortion. While you can go on living if face with either scenario, both can have negative implications on your health, self esteem, and future. Respect yourself enough to protect yourself. Find a mentor, big sister, or even a friend who is willing to talk to you about the issues you face once you become sexually active.  If you’ve chosen abstinence, be prepared anyway. As a teenager with raging hormones and mounds of constant peer pressure you are liable to experience anything. Keep yourself educated and informed about your health and prevent yourself from having negative, unnecessary experiences. Remember, no one will respect you unless you first respect yourself. Don’t allow the ways of the world to automatically become your way of life. Be smart and stay safe. Remain confident in who you are and know that every decision made today will impact your tomorrow. So, protect your health and beauty by protecting yourself.

Until next time, abstinence, safe sex, awareness, health and beauty.

In this day and age, when you analyze a young woman’s profile picture you will notice her eyebrows are contoured with precision, her bone structure is flawlessly highlighted, and her lips are doused with something vibrant.  Too much? Not enough? How is a girl to know when she has gone too far with makeup?  If you are unfamiliar with makeup application knowing what works best for you and what does not can be difficult. We’ve all witnessed the downfalls of improper makeup application. And let’s be honest, if applied incorrectly a young lady can quickly turn from beauty to beast.

Where do you start? You start with your foundation; and a good foundation for anyone’s face consists of a regular cleansing and moisturizing regimen. Wash your face with a facial cleanser which suits your skin type. Some people benefit from facial scrubs while others need cream cleansers. It might take some time to determine which type of cleanser works best. However, once you do, you will notice a positive change in the overall appearance of your skin. The right cleanser can minimize or even alleviate acne and breakouts. In my opinion, the best way to know which facial cleanser works best on your skin is to sample different products. Another great way to better understand your skin type and its needs is to visit a dermatologist and have your skin tested. The dermatologist will be able to tell you if your skin is sensitive to certain products or if you’ve developed any skin allergies. Because our bodies change over time, a product that previously generated positive results might become ineffective as you grow older.   Be open to change and know that finding a suitable product is trial and error.

While your facial cleanser is extremely important, it is equally important to invest in a good facial moisturizer. Most facial cleansers are paired with a moisturizer. Don’t skip this product!  A good facial moisturizer is very beneficial. When researching different products, you will notice most moisturizers come equipped with ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, and/or a degree of sunscreen. The moisturizer will replace the oils and minerals the cleanser has removed. Understand the face is extremely sensitive and needs restoration. The moisturizer will restore your skin’s natural glow and act as a protectant against our air’s most awful pollutants, excess germs, and any makeup you decide to apply.

You do not have to wear mounds of makeup to be considered beautiful or attractive. As a matter of fact, you do not have to wear any makeup at all. But if you choose to enhance your beauty with foundation/powder, mascara, or blush, it is important you know how to apply. Often times, ladies have no idea where to start when it comes to makeup application. Luckily, there are a plethora of YouTube videos that can be used to teach you the unknown. Spend time researching products. Know that every shade is not for every girl. For example, my best friend looks great in peach colored lipstick, while I on the other hand look like a crusty lip clown-not cute! By taking the time to research my skin type and different beauty products I know that nude shades of lipstick don’t compliment my skin tone. If you have extra change (and by change I mean $50) you can visit your nearest MAC counter for a makeover. The cool thing about MAC makeovers is that you can use the $50 makeover fee towards your purchase of whatever products the makeup artist used on your face. Not only can you leave the store looking like fabulous, but you can go home and practice your rendition.

It is not recommended a lady wear makeup for long periods of time or on a day-to-day basis. It is healthiest to take a break from makeup and allow your face “breathing room”. Too much makeup can clog your pores and make for damaged skin. While you want to look great with your make up, you also want to look remarkable without it. But I understand, for some women a day without face decoration is a disaster. So, if you must wear something, choose to keep it light. Apply a little mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss and stun the world with your natural beauty.

Makeup can be a woman’s best friend or her worst nightmare. It can highlight your beauty or transform you into a beast. You must always remember that makeup should be used to simply enhance the beauty that has already been bestowed upon you. While society has taught us to adorn perfectly manicured beauty, life has taught me to admire simplicity and sincerity. As ridiculous as it may sound, a girl can get lost in a MAC makeover. Don’t be that girl. Stay true to yourself and your natural beauty. Know your look and own it because one can do you better than yourself.  So, when the night calls and you get the urge to highlight your gorgeous attributes, add a touch of blush, a dash of eye shadow, and a bit of bronzer. Top it all off with a little lip tint and have yourself a beautiful time.

Until next time ladies, keep a solid foundation, a tube of lip gloss, and enough self awareness to last a life time. Here’s to health and beauty! Always stay true!

-Heidi Thomas

One of the first things you say to yourself when you look in the mirror is, “How do I look?” How do you look? Does your weight bother you? Do you wear glasses? Do you have acne? Do you look totally different today than you did six (6) months ago? The fact of the matter is, you have entered a phase in your life where you look and feel like a completely different person. Your body is growing and maturing. As it develops, it is important to receive essential nutrients and vitamins. While you probably aren’t thinking about nutrients and vitamins as you dig into that deep dish, pepperoni pizza, there are all sorts entering your body and contributing to the development of its infrastructure. Think of your diet as the frame to a house. The house would not be able to stand if it did not have a solid, reliable frame to support it. The same goes for your body. If you do not have a healthy, well-balanced diet to support your body, it can’t support itself.

Be conscious of what you eat. Often times we are too busy to pack lunches or prepare meals.  When we are unprepared for our meals and hunger strikes, we feel forced to eat whatever is most convenient. Unfortunately, convenient choices do not always make for healthy choices. Even though you might feel satisfied from your convenient meal, your body can still be starving for its essential nutrients. The idea is to feed your body for fuel. As a growing teenager, the last thing you want is for your body to run low on energy. Your body is constantly evolving and needs fuel to assist with the changes. It is best to ingest foods that generate energy and brain power- i.e. nuts, lean meats, or fresh fruits and veggies.  Now when you are out with your friends late night and you get a bad case of the munchies, you don’t necessarily have to avoid McDonald’s or Wendy’s, but be conscious of the healthier menu options.  Salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, and smoothies are all fast-food, healthy choices that will keep your body functioning at optimum levels.  Also, don’t be afraid to throw a few healthy snacks in your cute little purse. It won’t matter when hunger strikes or how inconvenient it happens to be, if you have a healthy snack handy. Grab a granola bar, an apple, or even make yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. By keeping your body nutritionally satisfied you can avoid those unfortunate hunger pains.

The human body is extremely advanced and adapts quickly to any situation. When you don’t eat, your body assumes there is no food and enters preservation mode. The body has no idea when and/or if it will receive another meal. In turn, it stores whatever fat you have in your body and slows your metabolism. The metabolism is the process in which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. As previously mentioned, your body uses this energy to maintain functionality and meet certain levels of performance.  I am not sure about you, but as a woman who is extremely eager about being the best me I can be, the last thing I want is to allow my body to function at a substandard level. Your body is you’re your mode of transportation throughout life. Without a healthy, well-functioning body, where will you go?

When people think of the body, they don’t think of the entire body. From head to toe, each inch of you needs nutrients and vitamins. It can be difficult to receive the recommended amounts, so it is important to explore other avenues and know your options. Always consult with your family doctor. As a growing woman you should visit a doctor at least once a year for a routine check-up. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what your body needs and how to attain those basic nutrients.

Don’t be afraid to take care of your body. It is one heck of a machine that requires maintenance. You are the operator. Food is intended to fuel our bodies and provide life. Don’t allow it to be your downfall. Remember, your body cannot support itself without a solid infrastructure. Consuming an unhealthy diet will have its effects not only on your body but eventually your life.  So, take the time to examine your diet. What are you eating? What is eating you?  Be conscious! Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, “How do I look?” No matter the response, know that you can be as healthy and as beautiful as you allow yourself to be.

-Heidi Thomas

Until next time ladies, healthy eating, body consciousness, health and beauty!

Gym class. I mean really, do we have to do all of this physical activity, in the middle of the day, and then go back to class like nothing happened? Something happened! It is written all over my hair. I’m sweaty and I smell like yuck! I need to shower, but the locker room gives me the heebie jeebies. It’s just a bit much… gym class. Ugh!  Who likes gym class?

Let’s be honest, not everyone is an athlete. We do not all wake up craving fitness. For those us who do not, gym class is probably the best option. Yes, it is happens during the most inopportune time of your day, but the physical activity is just what the doctor ordered.  Gym class allows you to be physically active while having fun with your peers. You get to laugh and talk to your classmates as you exercise your muscles and burn a few extra calories. It is recommended that teenage girls engage in at least an hour of physical activity every day. Being active in gym class is a great way to ensure you receive the suggested amounts of exercise.

What is a girl’s biggest fear… a bad hair day? Don’t allow a minute detail to determine whether or not you will participate in gym class.  Come prepared.  Bring a hair bush, comb, ponytail holder, gel, hair spray, bobby pins… whatever you think you will need.  A hairstyle should have very little impact on your decision to participate in gym class and nurture a healthy lifestyle. Find hairstyles that are suitable for exercise. There is the infamous ponytail, two French braids are a hot trend this year, or even a high bun. All three (3) hairstyles are sleek and trendy, but will also see you through a good round of cardio and leave you with absolutely no fuss.

If you are uncomfortable taking a shower in your locker room, I understand. I advise packing baby wipes, rubbing alcohol, and a face towel in your gym bag.  All three (3) help remove the sweat and smell from your body. Pack extra clothes. Yoga pants are extremely comfortable after a good workout. Also, a good workout will generate a more active metabolism leaving you feeling hungry. Don’t grab that slice of pepperoni pizza! While we all fall victim to cravings from time-to-time, you don’t want to jeopardize the hard work and calories burned.  So, pack a snack and refreshing beverage for post gym class. The snack will keep your metabolism active and burning calories, while the beverage will refresh your body and keep you hydrated.

So what if gym class isn’t for you? No big deal! There are plenty of physical activities that encourage an active, healthy lifestyle and don’t require your enrollment in a gym class. It might take some time and research to find something suitable for yourself, but the time spent finding your niche is an investment is of invaluable return.  The idea is to be encouraged and discover a physical activity most beneficial for your personality.  The more enjoyable the activity, the greater chance you have at staying committed and holding yourself accountable. Daily exercise increases brain function and generates a natural flow of endorphins throughout the body, both of which lead to a very healthy and a very happy you. So, take control of your healthy and your happy by finding a daily dose physical activity. If you can’t decide what your daily dose will be, register for a gym class and stay active.

Until next time ladies, have peace, self-love, health and beauty.

School has started. And if you are anything like I was in grade school, every outfit has to be perfectly coordinated, you cannot wait for Friday night football games, you are anxious to see who shares  your lunch period, and you’re more focused on your crush than your Algebra assignment.  You’ve got the beauty thing down (so you think), but the last thing on your mind is your health.

As a teenage girl I was a socialite, fashion- fused, busy body. While I was very outgoing and highly involved in student organizations, I struggled with self-esteem issues daily. I was heavier than most of my friends. I wasn’t fat, but I didn’t quite look like anyone else in my circle.  The issue wasn’t that I didn’t have time to focus on my health and natural beauty, but it wasn’t important to me. I ate cheeseburgers every other day, cookies when I wanted, and exercised when cheerleading practice required. Who has time for the “grown up” things, right? You’re just a teenager. You have the rest of your life to worry about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Plus, who else around you is focused on their health and maintaining their natural beauty?

Sustaining your own identity is important as a teenager; but in reality, it is easier to subcomb to peer pressure. A lot of times you fall victim to peer pressure without even knowing you’ve done so. Looking back on my grade school experience, I kept my hair straight (by way of a pressing comb) and made sure my Express jeans didn’t get any larger than a size 8. At the time, I thought this was for me and my personal satisfaction- it wasn’t. I straightened my naturally kinky hair and attempted to disguise my naturally thick, curvy hips because I didn’t want to be any different than those around me. I wanted to stand out enough to be considered my own person, but not enough to be dissimilar.

Different is good!  Different is especially good when it comes to your health and beauty. You are not your best friend or your cousin or your sister. You are who you are. And you should embrace every aspect of you while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can be hard as a young lady, but the idea is to simply begin the journey of self love. Once you begin to identify who you are, you realize that it takes different things for different people to maintain their individual health and beauty. Not everyone‘s body is contoured to fit into a size 2 pant. Not everyone’s locks are silky straight, long, and flowing.  YOU are the definition of your own beauty. To me, my beauty is ensuring my body, mind, and spirit are healthy and maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle. Yes, I workout six (6) times a week and I recently fit into a size zero (0). I wax my eyebrows and mustache and straighten my hair from time-to-time. I meditate and pray and constantly work on increasing my faith. But everything I do, I do for me…. I do because I love me.  If you don’t love yourself, the rest of the world will forget to love you too!

So, with all of the excitement around the latest trends and best dance parties this school year, don’t forget to care for yourself. Remember to stay encouraged, be true, and sprinkle lots and lots of self love.  In the words of ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus, “It takes more than just a good looking body [to maintain a healthy lifestyle]. You’ve got to have the heart and soul to go with it.” Enjoy The Quest ladies! Until next time, peace, blessings, health and beauty!

-Heidi Thomas

So as girls, I know one thing we love about our hair is the versatility! From straight to curly, to either up or down, the possibilities are endless when it comes to different hairstyles. Even though we have tons of options when it comes to our hair it is important that constant heat is not part of our daily routine. It doesn’t matter if your hair is relaxed or natural, too much heat can cause serious breakage and can leave your hair quite unhealthy! So before you turn on that flat iron check out some very cute heat-free styles for both natural and relaxed hair!

Relaxed Hair

Natural Hair

Summer is here! Yes, time to get officially excited! Ok, so even though your days and nights are surrounded by warm weather and fun times, don’t forget about your health! Take advantage of the days where you do not have to stand in the cafe line at school. This does no mean gobble down every fast food place you see either. Check out how simple choices can change your entire of day of how you feel and act! Trust me, you’ll thank us later!

Check out a couple healthy snack to keep your mind sharp for….dun dun dun summer school! You may be surprised of what’s number 1

Summer is here! Now, it’s time to simply get into it! The perfect way to kick off celebration of  no school, hot days and new crushes is a tastey smoothie! Not only are they healthy but easy to make….a double win, right? Check out these fresh treats!

Summer is here! Yes, time to get officially excited! Ok, so even though your days and nights are surrounded by warm weather and fun times, don’t forget about your health! Take advantage of the days where you do not have to stand in the cafe line at school. This does no mean gobble down every fast food place you see either. Check out how simple choices can change your entire of day of how you feel and act! Trust me, you’ll thank us later!

Check out a couple healthy snack to keep your mind sharp for….dun dun dun summer school! You may be surprised of what’s number 1